A Game-Changer, but Use with Caution: My Free Electrotherapy Breakdown

Hello there!

This review is for anyone who's going through electrotherapy themselves or for their kid.

I hope my experience can help you.

My son went through this procedure twice: at 2 months and at 1 year 3 months. The first time, they corrected his torticollis. The second time, they reinforced his lower back.

Both times, we got the referral from a neurologist. And we did it for free, as part of a massage package.

You can also get a referral from an orthopedist or pediatrician. For adults, it's a physiotherapist.

Here's what the referral looks like:

ElectrotherapyOn the side, it says you need to bring:

ElectrotherapySwaddle,Paper towels,Medications,Disposable electrodesThe doctor will prescribe the medications.

The treatment depends on the age and severity of the condition.

Some private clinics that offer similar procedures without a referral might just use an ineffective medication.

You'll need a prescription to buy the medications, which you can get at a special pharmacy.

ElectrotherapyI'm not sure how it works in other cities, but in ours, there aren't any pharmacies like that. There's one in a nearby city, 12 km away, and they have only a few of those pharmacies for the whole city.Last year, you could order the medications over the phone, but this year they've tightened the rules, and you need to go to the pharmacy with the prescription.

The medications are prepared in a special lab, and they have a shelf life of 10-14 days. So, you need to order them strictly by a certain date.

ElectrotherapyElectrotherapyElectrotherapyThe medications themselves aren't very expensive, 227 rubles.The disposable electrodes can be found in medical supply stores (orthopedic, etc.).

The first time, they cost us 300 rubles.

ElectrotherapyThe second time, we spent 570 rubles, since we needed to buy two different sizes.I got the simplest paper towels, which cost around 15 rubles.

The total cost of the package: 812 rubles.

ElectrophoresisCarrying the package with everything you need for the first time isn't super convenient when your kid is still tiny. Just make sure you don't break the glass vial.

ElectrophoresisProcedures take place on the hospital complex grounds.In a separate room, of course. Each city might be different.

ElectrophoresisElectrophoresisElectrophoresisUnlike massage, which was scheduled at a specific time, you can come in for electrophoresis between 8 and 17 (except for a 30-minute break). That's super convenient.The treatment room is pretty spacious. Several types of equipment for different physio procedures.

ElectrophoresisElectrophoresisElectrophoresisElectrophoresisThere are a lot of old equipment, but there are also some new ones.

ElectrophoresisElectrophoresisThe procedure itself takes a few minutes, in our case 10. You have to lie on a couch.

ElectrophoresisElectrophoresisDisposable electrodes are soaked in medication, a cloth is placed on top, and then connected to the device. Since our kid is still small and wouldn't stay still, the electrodes were secured with bandages.

ElectrotherapyThe procedure itself is almost painless. But be warned: if you're moving around during the treatment, the voltage can increase and get a bit uncomfortable. I know, it's tough for little ones to stay still for 10 minutes, let alone longer.

ElectrotherapyElectrotherapyMy son was fascinated by the electrodes, bandages, and cables. I brought some toys and books along to keep him occupied. Cartoons didn't really do the trick, but he loved playing with the equipment. Most sessions went smoothly, except for the last two – he was being a bit of a diva, probably due to teething issues.What I want to highlight is that I personally noticed a difference after the treatment. My son's posture improved, he's sitting up straighter, and his gait is more confident.

It's essential to understand that electrotherapy is just one part of the treatment plan, and it works best when combined with massage, physical therapy, and medication (if necessary).

Thanks for reading!